As we are now at the beginning of November, the January transfer window is edging ever closer. Tottenham were active in the market at the start of 2024 after signing Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig and wrapping up a permanent deal for Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
After plenty of movement on the transfer front in the summer, Spurs fans will be hoping that the club can bolster Ange Postecoglou's squad for the remainder of the season. It could prove to be an exciting end to the campaign for Spurs as they look to compete on four fronts and finally end their trophy hoodoo, with potential additions perhaps proving key to helping them achieve their goals.
In regards to potential incomings, Johnny Cardoso's name is always going to crop up when it comes to the transfer window reopening for business. Following Giovani Lo Celso's return to Real Betis at the end of the summer transfer window for quite a modest transfer fee, it was reported at the time that Tottenham had secured a future agreement involving Cardoso as part of their deal with Los Verdiblancos.
According to reports, Tottenham have a priority option to sign the 23-year-old in a reported two-week window in the summer of 2025 for a lower set price, which is claimed to be around €25million (£21million). If they elect not to take up that option and pass on the opportunity to lure the United States international to N17, the deal instead becomes a sell-on clause for a player they do not even own.
Speaking in September, Real Betis president Angel Haro opened up on the deal involving the Spanish side and Tottenham.
“It would be something interesting for everyone, it would mean that we would also have an added value,” he said, as quoted by AS (via Sport Witness). “In short, if there is a transfer in which there is a capital gain for Betis, Tottenham would have a percentage of it. There is also a purchase option for them, but it would be high and positive for us if it were to happen.”
As there is the possibility that Cardoso becomes a Tottenham player in 2025, some Spurs fans may have been keeping a close eye on him playing for Real Betis in LaLiga. So how exactly has he done so far this season?
The former Internacional player has featured regularly at the base of Betis' midfield this term, playing 13 games in all competitions for the side from Andalusia. Eight of those appearances have come in LaLiga, with one of his recent outings a standout showing as Betis brought Atletico Madrid's unbeaten start to an end following a 1-0 victory.
Lining up in the holding role, Cardoso displayed just how influential he can be at both ends of the pitch as he helped Betis to victory. Making four passes into the final third and creating two chances, the Denville-born player was also successful with three of his five dribbles and three of his seven long balls.
In regards to his defensive play, he won three of his five tackles, made five clearances, four interceptions and eight recoveries. He also won nine of his 14 duels as Diego Simeone's men tasted defeat at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
On the bench a couple of times at the beginning of the season and also introduced as a substitute twice in the opening weeks, Cardoso has been a regular in LaLiga since the end of September having started five of the team's last six league fixtures. The player has also featured prominently in the UEFA Conference League, featuring in their two qualifiers and two league phase fixtures so far.
Amid links with AC Milan, Tottenham's agreement with Betis for Cardoso could prove to be such a shrewd move if Postecoglou and Johan Lange want to add him to the playing squad next year. As 2025 approaches and Cardoso continues to go from strength to strength in LaLiga, the spotlight is only going to shine even brighter on him.
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